About Houston

About the City of Houston
Houston is the fourth largest city in the United States and a hub for the energy, aerospace and engineering industries. The Greater Houston area encompasses nearly 600 square miles and includes Harris, Fort Bend, Liberty, Montgomery and Waller counties. The Port of Houston is an attractive destination for international companies doing business around the globe.

An International Flair
Houston is a diverse and international city, in part because of its many academic institutions and strong industries. More than 90 languages are spoken in the city. Houston also has among the youngest populations in the nation. Houston is the nation’s demographic future with a mixture of Caucasian, Hispanic, African-American, and Asian, among other residents . Although large and diverse, Houston offers a small-town atmosphere in its many neighborhoods and suburbs. Just 30 minutes from the Gulf of Mexico and 30 minutes from the Piney Woods, Houston is ideally located in Southeast Texas.

Greater Houston has a population of more than six million residents, according to 2014 projections by Texas Department of State Health Services. It is a diverse city with a flourishing business, entertainment and arts district. It is also the energy capital of the world and boasts a robust industrial, educational, financial and commercial center. It is home to 26 of the Fortune 500 companies as of 2014.

Recreation and Cultural Activities in Houston

Houston caters to residents and visitors of all tastes with a myriad of cultural attractions, recreational activities and unique sites to explore. You will find more than 11,000 restaurants scattered throughout the city and a number of live entertainment destinations, amusement parks, art museums and historic landmarks. Houston also plays host to the Houston Livestock and Rodeo which attracts more than two million people each year.

The arts and entertainment scene in Houston is one of the best in the country. With a large concentrated Theatre District in the downtown area, Houston offers a variety of options for theater-goers. Additionally, Houston is one of only a few cities that has permanent professional resident companies in opera, ballet, music and theater.

Watch a performance by the Houston Symphony in Jones Hall, spend the day at the Contemporary Arts Museum, or cheer on the Houston Astros major league baseball team at Minute Maid Park, which features a retractable-roof stadium that can be opened or closed within a 15-minute period, depending on the weather. Sports enthusiasts can also cheer on Houston Texans (NFL), Houston Rockets (NBA), Houston Dynamo (MLS) and Houston Dash (NWSL).

If you enjoy being outdoors, you will find more than 43,700 acres of green space in Houston’s city parks and can experience activities like golfing, fishing, sailing or even horseback riding.

Key destinations around Houston include these following attractions:

The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston

Fort Bend Museum

San Jacinto Battleground and Museum

Holocaust Museum Houston

Contemporary Arts Museum Houston

Children’s Museum of Houston

Houston Grand Opera

Houston Symphony

NASA Johnson Space Center

TransportationHome to two major airports (Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport and William P. Hobby Airport), Houston is becoming a top tourist destination. Local public transportation is provided by the METRO Bus and Rail System. METRORail offers convenient accessible service within the heart of the city between downtown Houston and NRG Park, including the Museum District and the Texas Medical Center.